Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Health Center Program assists health centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas, specifically Hurricane Helene, by allowing them to request an advance of up to 25% of their FY 2025 award. This funding aims to cover unforeseen costs related to maintaining access to essential primary care services. However, it's important to note that the final award will be reduced by the requested advance amount.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation supports nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty and promoting social justice in the South. It seeks organizations with strong ties to low-wealth communities, clear strategies for addressing systemic issues, and a long-term vision for change. Eligible applicants should demonstrate accountability, strategic networking, and a commitment to racial equity. The Foundation is open to innovative approaches and encourages submissions from groups aligned with its mission, fostering impactful community partnerships.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Jubilee Trust Fund supports mission projects aimed at enhancing African-American leadership within congregations. Established in 1982, the fund promotes clergy recruitment, Christian education, and youth ministry. It addresses specific community needs through well-defined initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that foster growth and presence of African-American churches in the region. Applications are reviewed by the Jubilee Fund Committee for potential funding.

The North Carolina Civil Money Penalty Funds program, managed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, provides financial assistance aimed at enhancing the quality of care in nursing homes. These funds, derived from monetary penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities, support initiatives such as resident relocation, training for staff, and improvements in facility quality. Eligible organizations include advocacy groups, nursing home associations, and academic institutions, all dedicated to promoting better care and quality of life for residents.

The Provident Benevolent Foundation, established in 1989, aims to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations that deliver education, health, and essential human services. It focuses on central and western North Carolina, funding arts, culture, and environmental initiatives. Grants are made anonymously, and no publicity is allowed without prior approval. The foundation does not support individuals or organizations in eastern North Carolina, ensuring its resources are directed toward impactful community services.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The Dr. George H. and Mrs. Hettie S. Love 'Love of Learning' Scholarship Fund, established by the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, supports Black students and students of color pursuing education degrees. Preference is given to those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly Cheyney University, Lincoln University, and St. Augustine's University. The scholarship aims to empower future educators from the Black community, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The GHSP Community Grants program, managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, aims to enhance highway safety. Funding is available for law enforcement, local governments, and nonprofits working to reduce traffic-related incidents. Key focus areas include drunken driving, seat belt safety, and services for young drivers. Eligible organizations must submit a Conflict of Interest policy and certification of no overdue taxes. Note that certain items, such as speed display signs and body cameras, are not eligible for funding.

North Carolina Department of Commerce

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Building Reuse | Federal CDBG Economic Development

You can apply to renovate and up-fit vacant industrial and commercial buildings for economic development purposes with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The CDBG building reuse applications are designed to return vacant industrial/commercial buildings to economic use for new and/or expanding business and industry. The ultimate goal is to provide jobs for low and moderate-income persons (LMI).

The North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Program provides funds to local governments to develop viable communities “by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.” The program reflects purposes outlined by the U.S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Our department administers the program, which falls under the CDBG Economic Development (ED) category, through Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division (REDD). State rules related to the CDBG program are found in North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific CDBG economic development rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K.

Grant Limits and Basic Requirements

Building Reuse funds may be applied for at any time during the year, however the Rural Infrastructure Authority which meets six times a year must approve the application.

A local government applicant must propose a project in conjunction with a private for profit business that proposes to restore a vacant building to economic use resulting in the creation of permanent, full-time jobs by the project company. A job is considered full-time if the employee works at least 1600 hours per year. To be eligible, documentation must be provided showing the building has been vacant thirty (30) consecutive days or more prior to the date of the pre-application conference. CDBG funds for this category are limited to a maximum of $750,000 per unit of government. The grant amount is calculated based on $20,000 per job for eligible businesses and $12,000 per job for all other businesses. To be eligible, a business must also meet all of the eligibility criteria specified in GS105-129.80. 

All applicants must also meet basic threshold and performance requirements for any prior CDBG grants awarded by the Rural Economic Development Division. 

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Bydale Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Connecticut, Westchester County, and North Carolina, focusing on environmental initiatives, social justice, women’s rights, and grassroots advocacy. The foundation also funds programs in performing arts and poetry, as well as human rights and peace advocacy initiatives. However, unsolicited proposals from outside these areas are not accepted, and social service programs in Israel are ineligible for funding.

The Go Outside (GO) Grants offer funding up to $15,000 for North Carolina K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations to enhance outdoor learning experiences. While applications are open, funding is contingent upon state support. The grants are dedicated to projects like outdoor classrooms and gardens that promote education and recreation for underserved youth aged 4-18. However, indoor activities and non-educational projects may not be funded.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Building and Site Fund Grants for Agriculture Sites, managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, support projects enhancing natural gas and propane services in agriculture. Grants may cover up to $1.5 million for infrastructure costs, contingent on a project's needs. Interested applicants must submit a formal proposal, following an initial pre-application stage, ensuring that funding is allocated efficiently to promote agricultural growth and sustainability.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.